Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
Trump deletes post depicting him as Jesus-like figure after backlash
US President Donald Trump appears to have taken down a contentious image from his Truth Social platform that portrayed him as a Jesus-like figure, following widespread criticism. The AI-generated picture showed Trump in a white robe, with a glowing hand on the forehead of a sick man, evoking religious depictions of healing. The post emerged shortly after Trump issued a sharp critique of Pope Leo XIV, who has been a vocal opponent of US and Israeli military actions in Iran.
Trump admitted to posting the image, suggesting he saw himself as a “doctor” in the scene. However, the visual sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum. The background included the Statue of Liberty, a large American flag, fighter jets, and an eagle, alongside a nurse, a praying woman, and a soldier. Critics argued the image likened Trump to Jesus, with some even calling it an overreach. “This should be deleted immediately,” wrote Sean Feucht, a Christian activist, in a statement. “There’s no context where this is acceptable.”
“God shall not be mocked,” added Riley Gaines, a prominent conservative figure, in her critique. Faith-based media also weighed in, with David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network declaring, “This goes too far. It crosses the line. A supporter can back the mission and reject this.”
Speaking to reporters after the removal, Trump defended the image, asserting it depicted him as a doctor aiding a Red Cross worker. “It’s supposed to be as a doctor making people better,” he said. “And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.” Despite the backlash, he did not issue an apology, instead pointing to Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of his Iran policy. “He was very much against what I’m doing with regard to Iran,” Trump noted, adding, “You cannot have a nuclear Iran.”
The image is not the first instance of controversy on Trump’s Truth Social account. In February, a racist video portraying Barack and Michelle Obama as apes was posted and later removed. The White House initially justified it as an “internet meme video,” urging critics to “stop the fake outrage.” However, after pressure from several Republican senators, the post was deleted, and officials acknowledged a staffer had “erroneously” shared it.
